Is ‘Dubai Chonduk’ the Solution?… Decrease in Blood Donations, Unexpected Solutions?

A warning light has turned on for the national blood reserves. With a decrease in blood donation participation and an increase in blood usage in medical settings, the supply is unable to keep up with the demand.

According to the Korea National Red Cross Blood Management Headquarters on the 22nd, the current status of red blood cell product reserves is 20,962 units. Considering the average daily usage of 5,052 units, this is a level that cannot last for 5 days. The Red Cross has defined the situation where the red blood cell product reserves fall below 5 days' worth as the 'Concern' stage of the blood supply crisis and is monitoring for signs of shortage.

The Red Cross noted that the period of January to February, which coincides with high school and college students' vacations, usually sees a decrease in group blood donations, but this year, the early flu outbreak has further reduced participation. Additionally, the end of the resident doctors' strike has led to an increase in surgeries at large hospitals, which has also significantly increased blood usage.

Dubai Chonduk and Idol Goods, Various Relief Pitchers Stepping Up

The blood supply shortage is a trend seen worldwide. Many countries have seen a rapid decrease in the population eligible for blood donation due to low birth rates and aging, and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the aversion to blood donation has increased, leading to more cases of insufficient blood supply.

In response, countries are busy finding ways to increase blood donation participation rates. Recently, the Seoul Eastern Blood Center held an event to give out 'Dubai Chonduk' cookies as gifts for blood donations in response to the blood shortage crisis. In the week the event started, 668 citizens participated in blood donation at the 8 blood donation centers under this blood center, which was more than double the previous week (308 people). Other blood centers in regions like Incheon are also implementing similar events due to this effect.

They are also utilizing idol goods. The Korea National Red Cross is conducting a collaborative campaign with the 7-member idol group 'ENHYPEN' from Belift Lab until the 26th of this month. Those who participate in blood donation at designated blood donation centers or blood donation buses will receive unreleased goods and souvenirs. ENHYPEN, which has maintained a 'vampire' concept since their debut, is praised for extending their worldview into a positive influence in reality.

A More Effective Method Than Monetary Gifts?

In this regard, a research team from China has proposed an interesting policy. They suggest that motivating participants with honor and public service benefits is more effective than monetary rewards or gifts.

The research team from Beijing Union Medical College proposed a system that introduces a 'Blood Donation Honor Card' for those who have participated in blood donation more than 20 times. Those who receive this honor card will enjoy various public service benefits, such as free public transportation, benefits when entering parks or tourist sites, and exemptions from some outpatient medical fees.

The research team explained, “The key is that the benefits cannot be resold for cash, cannot be transferred to others, and should be difficult to convert into actual monetary value,” adding, “The convenience of gaining honor while slightly improving one’s life stimulates people's altruism more than monetary gain.”

The research team confirmed that after collaborating with some cities in China to pilot this model, there was a significant change in blood donation participation. After one year of implementing the policy, blood donation participation increased by an average of 3.55%, and after four years, it increased by 7.7%.

Moreover, while a rapid increase in blood donation participation could potentially decrease safety or participant eligibility, this policy showed no such changes.

The research team emphasized, “Gifts with excessive economic value could lead to indiscriminate increases in blood donation amounts,” stating, “The 'Honor Card' policy confirmed this time significantly increased blood donation frequency without affecting blood safety.”

The results of this study were recently published in the globally influential medical journal 《British Medical Journal (BMJ)》.